It might be too soon to make August plans, but trustees for the North Olympic Library System think it's time.

This Thursday at the Port Angeles branch, 2210 S. Peabody St., Port Angeles, they will vote on a resolution for a levy tentatively to go before voters Tuesday, Aug. 17.

The proposed levy asks

for 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation throughout Clallam County for collection in 2011.

The NOLS 2012 Plan is the trustees' business model and it counters a declining revenue base that's been limited by a 1-percent tax-revenue cap passed in 2001 and by inflation.



Enough for 10 years

Don Zanon, president of the board of trustees, said the property tax rate has gone from 50 cents in 1978 to 33 cents now.

"We'd ask for what was pretty much in line with what was passed in 1978," Zanon said.

"By restoring that amount, it would sustain the library for 10 years."

NOLS staff and trustees have put out feelers through informational meetings in the four libraries' communities in Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay.

Paula Barnes, NOLS executive director, said their presentations to civic and service groups created an opportunity to test the plan for the public and spread the word.



Some steps coming

Public input led to proposed altered hours of operations for the libraries. Increasing late fees is being fast-tracked by staff because of the overwhelming number of suggestions to do so. Barnes said the level of increase still is being discussed.

At Thursday's meeting, public comments will be taken before the board makes a decision.

Trustee Elaine Frederickson said the board certainly will be listening.

"We're definitely committed to hearing what people have to say and then we're heading full steam ahead."



Summer levy

Originally the levy was proposed for November, but trustees pushed it up to help with the 2011 budget process and because of a potentially full ballot later in the year.

"They didn't want it to get lost in the fold," Barnes said.

If the proposed levy fails, they could try again in November, but it hasn't been discussed, Zanon said.

If the trustees approve the levy resolution, a campaign committee will be formed because the staff and board members are not allowed to advocate.

More on NOLS 2012 can be found at www.nols.org.